When will Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders go live? Everything you need to know ahead of next week's Direct

We're now just a week away from the Direct Presentation where many expect the brand will announce Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders. This isn't just internet rumblings either, looking back at the original Switch's release, stock went live during, or just after, the actual full announcement. With a whole even dedicated to Ninty's new hardware coming up on April 2, it's time to get your retailers in order.

Some retailers have already launched 'early' Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders, essentially guaranteeing their customers a spot in line to actually place their order by paying even ahead of the announcement. Until the new handheld hits the screen next Wednesday, though, it's anyone's game.

In the meantime, retailers like Best Buy have updated their Nintendo Switch 2 product pages, stating that more information would be available on April 2 at 8am CT. That's a good indication that the order button will pop into action during the Nintendo Direct briefing. Meanwhile, ShopTo has launched its own email notification system in the UK, charging a penny for early access to Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in a bid to keep resellers at bay.

I'm getting you prepped with all the retailers you need to watch out for when Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders do land. I've been tracking these stock frenzies across everything from the Switch OLED to the PS5 and its Pro model over the last five years, so I've picked up a thing or two about being in the right place at the right time. You'll find all my tips and tricks further down the page.

US Switch 2 retailers

You may need a membership to secure an early order from stores like Walmart and Best Buy. I would always recommend heading to Nintendo first and foremost when those pre-orders drop, but this is going to be a smaller site than other retail stores - and if crashes do occur it's worth having some backups available.

Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are all well seasoned in this game - they've been regulars in the race for console stock from other brands. Plus, don't sleep on Target - while it can sell out fast, this store often posts its pre-orders just a little earlier than everyone else, which means you can swoop in pretty easily if you find yourself in the right place at the right time.

GameStop is currently the only US retailer with the device technically on its shelves (though it's obviously unavailable), so it's worth keeping a close eye here as we get closer to the big day.

Best Buy

Best Buy is often one of the first retailers to launch its product pages for new devices, which means it's easy to camp here. The store has an email notification system set up (that doesn't automatically loop you into any other marketing emails) so it's well worth getting your name on the list here. Best Buy has updated its Switch 2 page in the last few weeks, stating that more details will be available on that all-important April 2 date (at 8am CT). That bodes well for Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders on the same day as the full reveal.

GameStop

GameStop is best used if you're a member, as the retailer regularly keeps some pre-orders back for its subscribers. However, if stock is starting to slow it's always worth checking in. GameStop is the only store with a full Nintendo Switch 2 listing page live on the site, currently listed as Coming Soon. You can also sign up for pre-order notifications as well.

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Amazon

Amazon can be speedy on delivery, so it makes sense to hold out for these orders if you're a Prime member, but it can be slow to launch its stock. Individual product pages can be difficult to find before pre-orders actually go live here, but it's well worth hunting them down (I'll be posting the link here as soon as I have it). There's another hitch in this plan, though.

Amazon hasn't been the most Nintendo-favored retailer for some time now. Black Friday was a wash here, with barely any savings on games and systems that were widely dropped at other stores. Inventory seems to be slowing as well.

Walmart

Walmart is often the first retailer to give us an indication of when pre-orders will go live. That's because it regularly keeps high profile stock back for its Plus members, launching a product page that tells these subscribers when they should be ready to head to checkout. If you're not a Walmart Plus member, I'd still keep an eye on this store - I don't know for sure that they'll be reserving availability, but if recent releases are anything to go by this is one for the subscribers.

There is currently no email notification or sign up system available at Walmart.

Nintendo Store

Of course, Nintendo's own online store is going to be a safe bet. Listings will likely go live as soon as Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are actually announced - but stock will move particularly quickly. This is where everyone is heading, so it can pay off to think outside the box.

Target

Target is a speedy one. This retailer often jumps to pre-orders before Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy which means it's well worth checking in with over the next few hours. Target was the first store to offer PlayStation 30th Anniversary stock last year, for example, and held out quite well in terms of availability.

UK Switch 2 retailers

The UK has a similar spread of stores to choose from, but I'd recommend prioritizing Nintendo, Amazon, and Argos in your hunt. The first is going to be the most reliable for actually putting stock up on the day itself, but everyone will be going here. Amazon is still pretty speedy in the UK (unlike the US where it can lag slightly behind) and I've always had my pre-ordered kit delivered on day one here. Finally Argos could be a sleeper hit. The site organizes its stock by post code, so you've got much less competition should stock start to run low on the day.

In the last few weeks, ShopTo has also launched an interesting proposition. It's running its own email notification system, with a one penny charge to register. That means the Switch 2 can already act as a transacted product on this site's store, so the site can easily ensure each customer only grabs one when it comes to launch day.

Amazon

Amazon is my go-to in the UK. Unlike its US counterpart, this is a particularly speedy site, which regularly shows up among the first retailers offering pre-orders for larger items. It also comes with the benefit of speedy shipping, and I've always had my orders delivered on release day.

Argos

Argos splits its stock by region, so you might be in with a good shot at securing your Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order here, depending on your post code. You've got a much smaller competition pool to contend with, but stock levels are much smaller than the bigger sites.

Nintendo Store

The official Nintendo Store will be launching Switch 2 pre-orders as soon as they become available, so it's a must-see if you're after a quick order. However, everyone is going to be flocking here, and we could see site slow downs as a result.

ShopTo
ShopTo has gone a slightly different way around Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders. Registering your interest on this page costs a penny, it does not guarantee you an order. This is essentially an email list system with a specific allocation of one pre-order per customer - it's a nifty system that should keep resellers away.

Currys

Currys is one of the only UK retailers offering an email update system, with the retailer's site now allowing users to register their details for upcoming updates. Pre-orders can be a little slow on the day here, but if you can keep an eye on your inbox you could be in with a shot at a second wave of interest once the bigger, faster stores have unleashed their inventory.

Very

Very is actually one of my favorite retailers to pre-order from. Not only is it fast with its product pages and availability, but stock does tend to hold on a little longer here. Very often adds bundles into the mix even from the pre-order stage - while they won't save you any cash at this point, they do ward off resellers.

There are no email lists to sign up to here, so this is one for the refresh button when the time comes.

GAME

GAME is speedy, but it's expensive. This retailer will often launch its pre-orders before the actual set go-time (as I saw with the PS5), though shipping prices can be astronomical (and you'll pay those costs separately per item).

What can you do now?

We've got a week until that Direct presentation, which means there's still some time to get your ducks in a row before Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders kick off fully. I'd use this time wisely - there are two things you can be doing between now and announcement day to maximize your chances at securing a console.

1. Keep an eye on trade-in prices

This is what clinched my super early pre-order for the PS5 back in the day. I knew which store I was going with, had months to build up store credit through rewards systems and trading, and could head straight to the site as soon as word dropped. While flexibility is going to be necessary, if you're looking to keep the cost of your Switch 2 as low as possible it's worth keeping an eye on trade-in prices over the next few weeks, so you can work out which store will give you the best deal when push comes to shove.

2. Sign up to a membership program

It's a sad time but the reality of the situation is you're much more likely to be able to pre-order a high ticket item in the US if you're signed up to either Walmart Plus, GameStop Pro, or My Best Buy Total. Each of these retailers have kept their pre-orders behind paywalls like this in the past, sometimes (like in the case of the PS5) allowing subscribers first access at stock.

If I had to choose one it would be Walmart Plus. While it's still a highly competitive endeavor, this is the retailer I've seen giving its members special treatment the most over the course of the last few years.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order FAQs

In the meantime, check out all the latest Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility updates as well as the best Nintendo Switch accessories and the best Nintendo Switch headsets on the market.